Average Reviews:(More customer reviews)The text is good. A little girl doesn't make the stepdancing cut. She throws her own recital instead and everyone enjoys the show, especially her. This story is good and the lesson is universal. The illustration could be improved upon.

Kathleen wants to be an Irish dancer so much that she practices her jigs, reels, and hornpipes all over the house. She longs to wear her embroidered Irish dress and dance before an audience. But when she isn't chosen for the upcoming feis, an Irish step-dancing competition, Kathleen is crushed. She soon learns, however, that the dance itself is its own reward. Declan Carville was born in Belfast in 1964. From his early school days, he always enjoyed writing. After graduating from Queen's University Belfast in 1986 with a degree in economics, he returned to the work he enjoys most. Concentrating on Ireland's rich cultural heritage as a source of inspiration, Declan is the author of a number of children's picture books. Kathleen O'Byrne is his second and remains a personal favorite.It's a story about a little girl who wants to dance, says Declan, but it says so much more. The message is quite universal.Brendan Ellis was born in Belfast in 1951. After graduating from the Ulster College of Art and Design he went on to study at the Royal College of Art in London. Brendan has exhibited his paintings in Belfast, Dublin, London, and Germany, and his art is included in private collections throughout the world. He currently works as a medical illustrator at the Royal Hospital in Belfast.